NT coastal areas prepare for cyclone

Residents along the Northern Territory's east coast have been warned to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Owen as it moves in from Queensland.

A cyclone warning is in place from Cape Shield in the Northern Territory to Burketown in Queensland.

Communities near the Gulf of Carpentaria including Groote Eylandt, Borroloola and Numbulwar have been advised to activate cyclone plans.

The cyclone is predicted to reach Category three strength, which includes winds gusts of up to 224km/h at sea with winds of up to 165km/h reaching the coast and possible flash flooding.

The southern parts of Groote Eylandt are expected to be hardest hit.

People living within the cyclone warning areas should expect destructive gale force winds on Wednesday and Thursday, the bureau said.

People should also have preparations well underway, including identifying strong buildings and public shelters in their area if they need to leave their homes, NT Emergency Services chief officer Jason Collins said.